Guidance Parent Talk

Friday, Oct. 18, 2024

We appreciate your questions!

• Preparing for post-graduate planning
• Timeline
• College visits
• College essay
• Clubs, Activities, Service, Employment, Athletics, Arts
• Academics
• The standardized testing landscape
• What to expect this year

What to expect:

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Sophomores:

• Guidance Seminars in second quarter to explore careers and focus on stress management
• Begin working on Activities Resume
• Individual meetings with counselors in January to check-in

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Juniors:

• PSAT in October
• Individual meetings with counselors regarding postgraduate planning will start in December and continue throughout the year
• Guidance Seminars in third quarter as an introduction to the college search process
• SAT @ WHS on Sat. March 8th
• Westwood College Fair March

Welcome to Naviance

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What is it?

Naviance Family Connection is a comprehensive, web based planning tool that will assist Westwood students in managing the academic, career and college aspects of high school.

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• Sophomore Year - Seminars on Career Research - Resume
• Junior Year - Seminars on College search, standardized testing, Khan Academy free SAT online test prep, essay writing, financial aid, scholarships, developing well-balanced list

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College Planning Guide for Junior year

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• In-person tours

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• Virtual tours and info sessions

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• Research colleges before visits

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• Call/check college websites ahead of time to register for tour times

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• Better to go when classes are

in session (Sept to May)

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• Go on formal tours/info sessions

and take notes/pictures

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• Limit visits to 2 per day

Image source: UMass / http://www.umass.edu/gateway/visit

College Visits

Source: NACAC 2023 State of College Admissions

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“Test scores have always been just one of several factors taken into consideration in the admission decision. Your secondary school curriculum and the grades you earn carry more weight in the admission review process as they represent your achievements over a sustained period of time.”

• Mario Silva-Rosa, Director of Undergraduate Admission

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“The admissions process at BU has always been holistic and decisions were never solely based on one single factor, such as an SAT or ACT score. Students who apply to BU test optional will not be disadvantaged in our admissions process.”

• Kelly A. Walter, Associate Vice President for Enrollment & Dean of Admissions

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Standardized Tests

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Test Optional - for real?

FairTest.org - Complete list of over

2,000+ Test Optional Schools

Maintain your perspective and balance

• Meet them where they are at, individual approach
• Be a sounding board, sensitive and calm presence
• Ask questions and listen
• Don’t focus on “should”
• Help organize and plan college visits for Feb and April break
• Family Information Form (brag sheet)...in the spring
• Be your child’s biggest cheerleader
• Can you enjoy the process?

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How can I help in the process...

Always forward, never straight

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Westwood Guidance Website Resources/Links

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• Tufts - Inside Admissions - Behind the scenes with Tufts admissions officers

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• Johns Hopkins - Essays that worked

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• Connecticut College - Essays that worked

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• Providence College - prospective student Webinars to introduce you to the school and provide advice on the college process

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• Bentley Admission 101 useful tips and advice from admissions on the college process

Admissions 101 - sample sites

Thank you for your time!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s Guidance Counselor:

• Max Erilus
• Dave Fredrickson
• Caroline Higgins
• Mallory McKearin / Caryn Haskins
• Ember Parker
• Julia Shields

We’re here and happy to help!